gamescom 2013: What to expect from the gaming expo this week

In the past few years gamescom has become the biggest gaming show in the world by visitor numbers, and it's no surprise publishers and platform holders like Sony and Microsoft have used it to announce new games and hardware.

The gaming expo kicks off in Cologne, Germany tomorrow (August 20) with a series of press conferences, and Digital Spy runs down what you can expect from each of the big publishers this week.

Microsoft

When: Tuesday, August 20 (9:30am UK time)Livestreamed? No

Microsoft skipped gamescom last year, but with Xbox One launching in November, the publisher is back in force to build momentum for its new console, starting with a non-streamed press briefing.

It has already confirmed that a unique exclusive will be revealed, and you can expect more details about currently announced projects such as Forza 5 and Ryse too.

EA has revealed the lineup for its conference. Expect new footage for Need for Speed Rivals, Battlefield 4 - including a new map and mode - FIFA 14, EA Sports UFC, Plants Vs Zombies: Garden Warfare and Command & Conquer.

There will also be the first reveal of The Sims 4. If you want more on that in particular, stick around until midnight on Wednesday where Digital Spy will post a first-look preview with even more details.

Even with a PS4 focus on the cards, the Vita had a quiet few months, so perhaps a new hardware revision - which wouldn't be unexpected considering the PSP's legacy and the system's slow sales - could make an appearance. And like Xbox One, a release date is entirely possible, but has yet to be rumoured.

With some degree of certainty, we can predict what Blizzard will reveal during gamescom. The firm updated its website last week pointing at a new Diablo 3 expansion suggested to be named Reaper of Souls.

This will almost certainly be the "special announcement" previously teased. Elsewhere, a trademark for The Dark Below hinting at a new World of Warcraft expansion was revealed, but that could be announced later if it's true.

Finally, expect to see Diablo 3 on consoles before it launches on current-gen in September and Xbox One and PS4 in 2014.

Diablo 3 'Reaper of Souls' teaser site

Other publishers: XCOM, Dead Island and Ubisoft

All publishers will have new trailers, images and details of their games, but we have several confirmations of what to expect.

2K Games has confirmed XCOM: Enemy Within will be revealed at the show. Whether it's an expansion or sequel, we'll find out first this week, and Digital Spy will be going hands-on to offer first impressions.